From Precaution to Profit: Contemporary Challenges to Environmental Protection in the Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol has been cited as the most successful global environmental agreement, responsible for phasing out the use of ozone-depleting substances. But, says Brian Gareau in this provocative and engaging book, the Montreal Protocol has failed-largely because of neoliberal ideals involving economic protectionism but also due to the protection of the legitimacy of certain forms of scientific knowledge. Gareau traces the rise of a new form of disagreement among global powers, members of the scientific community, civil society, and agro-industry groups, leaving them relatively ineffective in their efforts to push for environmental protection.

Brian J. Gareau is assistant professor of sociology and international studies at Boston College. As part of his research on global environmental governance, he attended Montreal Protocol meetings around the world, from Montreal to Dakar, from Geneva to Nairobi, over a period of four years. He lives in Concord, MA.